Lorenzo Moja (University of Milan, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research); Paul Moayyedi (Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University); Mary Ellen Schaafsma (Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa; Canadian Cochrane Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute); Peter Tugwell (Department of Medicine and Centre for Global Health, University of Ottawa); Erin Ueffing (Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa; Canadian Cochrane Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute); Eileen Vilis (Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa; Canadian Cochrane Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute); Jeremy Grimshaw (Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa; Canadian Cochrane Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute)

Synopsis:

The Cochrane Collaboration is using systematic reviews addressing gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions to develop a comprehensive suite of online continuing educational and professional development (CEPD) modules targeting Canadian family physicians and other healthcare professionals. We will outline the methods used and provide an update on the initiative’s progress.

Background

The Cochrane Collaboration is the largest single producer of systematic reviews of the effects of health care interventions. The Italian Cochrane Centre and the Canadian Cochrane Centre are using reviews addressing gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions to develop a comprehensive suite of online continuing educational and professional development (CEPD) modules targeting Canadian family physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Objectives

• To promote evidence-based management of common gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions.
• To strengthen the availability of high quality information resources for Canadian family physicians and other healthcare professionals (especially those in remote/rural settings who have difficulties accessing traditional continuing professional development activities).
• To build Canadian capacity to take a global leadership position in the further development of Cochrane educational activities.

Methods

The modules will include questions and answers corresponding to a fictional vignette featuring “Dr. Cochrane” and based on published Cochrane Reviews. Vignette topics are chosen by the Cochrane Review Groups, family physicians, and specialists according to quality, relevance, and potential impact. The modules will be produced by The Cochrane Collaboration, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing and the University of Ottawa CME Office.